Green Mountain Power Corp. of Vermont has proposed a new rate plan for solar owners that would pay them above and beyond what they already receive under the state’s net metering rules.
Under the program, customers would be paid by Green Mountain Power for all solar energy generated at a rate of six cents per kilowatthour above and beyond the nearly 13 cents per kilowatthour net metering benefit.
Instead of being paid only for excess energy fed back into the grid, solar system owners would also be paid for producing and using their own electricity.
Green Mountain Power proposed the adoption of the program in a request for a new service filed with the Vermont Public Service Board yesterday.
"This proposal will make solar energy more attractive to homeowners and businesses in Vermont,"? Green Mountain Power Chief Operating Officer Mary Powell said. "We are doing everything we can to encourage the adoption of solar energy. It is good for Vermont economically and environmentally."?
Ms. Powell said such a change in the way Vermonters pay for solar energy could help ease congestion on power lines, delay the need for new power line construction and reduce peak energy demand in hot summer months when demand for energy is highest.
Andrew Perchlik, Executive Director of Renewable Energy Vermont, said, "This new service could revolutionize the solar market in Vermont. We are excited that Green Mountain Power has taken a leadership role in promoting solar energy in Vermont."?
Powell said the proposal will shave? peak demand during high-demand, hot summer days by relying on the sun rather than fossil fuel generation.
The new incentive rates, if approved by the Vermont Public Service Board, would be available to all Green Mountain Power customers connected to the electric grid–or roughly a quarter of the state’s population.
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